Three men have been charged with offences under the National Security Act including assisting Hong Kong’s intelligence service and foreign interference.

Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, 38, Matthew Trickett, 37, and Chung Biu Yuen, 63, will appear Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today, the Metropolitan Police said.

They have been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and with foreign interference.

“The foreign intelligence service to which the above charges relate is that of Hong Kong,” a Met Police spokesperson said.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counter terrorism command, said: “A number of arrests were made and searches carried out across England as part of this investigation.

“While these offences are concerning, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe there to be any wider threat to them.

“This investigation remains ongoing, but now that charges have been brought, I urge people not to speculate or comment further in relation to this case.”

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As part of the investigation, a total of 11 people were detained under section 27 of the National Security Act. They were arrested in London and the Yorkshire area.

The Met said seven men and one woman were released from custody on or before 10 May.

It said the case is not related to a separate investigation involving Russia.

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